The gastric balloon procedure is a new weight loss system that aims to reduce the amount eaten at a meal and increase the feeling of being fuller longer after eating only small meals. Also known as the intragastric balloon, this type of weight loss treatment can help you lose weight without invasive surgery.

To qualify for this procedure, patients must have a BMI between 30 and 40 and must not have had prior weight loss surgery. The gastric balloon is most suitable for those who need to lose about 30 percent of their excess body weight.

Shortly after insertion of the balloon you will be instructed to sip water. If that is tolerated you can progress onto free fluids such as milk, yoghurt, fruit juices (low sugar) and soups for the next three days. You should choose nutritious protein containing fluids; soups are ideal and allow good variety.

Intragastric Balloon Placement is placing a deflated balloon in the stomach using endoscopy and then filling it to decrease the amount of intragastric space. It can be left in the stomach for a period of 6 months and results in average weight loss of 10-15 kg in half a year.